Manipur to host Hero Tri-Nation International Friendly Football Match

Last Updated on April 25, 2023 by SPN Editor

Manipur will host a Hero Tri-Nation International Friendly featuring India (FIFA ranking 106), Kyrgyz Republic (FIFA ranking 94), and Myanmar (FIFA Ranking 159) from March 20 to 28, Chief Minister N. Biren announced during a press conference, seeking support from the general public.

Addressing a press briefing at his secretariat on Monday, the Chief Minister highlighted the significance of hosting the Hero Tri-Nation International Friendly football tournament successfully. He said that the government will put its best efforts into organizing it.

The State should grab the opportunity given by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to the State, Biren said, seeking the support of the people to come out and watch the matches.

The Chief Minister said the AIFF has given the opportunity of hosting the Hero Tri-Nation International Friendly to Manipur acknowledging the contribution of the State’s players to the country’s football scene.

He also tweeted, “Thank you Shri @kalyanchaubey Ji, Pres AIFF, and Gen secretary AIFF for this initiative to host the Hero Tri-Nation International Friendly in Manipur. My State Manipur is the highest producer of sportspersons (per capita), especially in football. @PMOIndia @blsanthosh.”

The Chief Minister also highlighted some names of past footballers from the State who have represented the country on the world platform and present players like Suresh Wangjam, Amarjeet Singh Kiyam, Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem, Jackson Thounaojam, Md Nawaz, etc.

AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey expressed happiness with the Chief Minister’s response to the organizing of the friendly tournament.

Further stating that the AIFF is fully aware that Manipur is a football-playing State, he highlighted that from the very beginning when the National Football league started in 1995-96 till date, there is at least one Manipuri player in every club or in the national side.

The State has sent its players to the National teams, now the federation wants to bring the Indian National Senior team to the State, the AIFF President said, adding that this will be the first time.

He continued that the overall hosting of the Hero Tri-Nation International Friendly will be done by the Government of Manipur with technical support provided by the AIFF in collaboration with the All Manipur Football Association (AMFA).

Chaubey also highlighted the possibility of opening a football academy in the State with full technical support including in sports science, and coaches from the AIFF so that each football talent available in the State can be nurtured properly to play on the world stage.

AIFF Secretary General Shaji Prabhakaran, YAS Director T. Phulen, and officials of the All Manipur Football Association attended the press briefing.